Smyrna Town Council candidates down to three

With the recent withdrawals of Smyrna Town Council at-large candidate Melaine Minear and District 3 candidate Daniel Greek, the number of candidates running for town council is down to three.

Jennifer Dailey, reporter

With the recent withdrawals of Smyrna Town Council at-large candidate Melaine Minear and District 3 candidate Daniel Greek, the number of candidates running for town council is down to three.

For the open at-large seat, former council member Bill Pressley will face off against newcomer Robert C. Johnson.

As for District 3, incumbent Valerie White will win her third term on council with Greek dropping out of the race.

Here are the candidate profiles for White, Pressley and Johnson.

Valerie White, District 3 candidate

*White is running unopposed after candidate Daniel Greek dropped out of the race.

AGE 44

YEARS LIVED IN SMYRNA 17

EDUCATION High school graduate

OCCUPATION Administrative specialist II

Q How many terms have you served on council? Two 3-year terms

Q What do you think are the two most important issues facing Smyrna and how would you address them?

A The issues with the town have not changed much over the years: electric and taxes. No one wants to pay more for either but the town is a business and as a member of council I believe it is my job to always take into consideration the business of the town and the people who live here. I feel the town and council members are always looking and listening for ways to make each of these items easier for the residents even though the residents might not feel that way. I alone cannot change anything but with the input of the citizens and the council working alongside the town manager it is possible that we can find alternate ways to accomplish the tasks at hand. Because housing development has dropped, moving forward with the Duck Creek water project is imperative for bringing new large businesses to Smyrna.

Q Why should residents vote for you?

A I believe I am fair and again will make every attempt to vote in what I believe is in the best interest of the town and the citizens, and not for personal interest. I am always willing to listen and agree to disagree and help any citizen if I can. Although it would be an honor to be re-elected for a third term, I ask only that the citizens of Smyrna vote on April 30 – it doesn’t have to be for me, it should be who they think is the best person to represent them. It’s them who we represent and their vote no matter who they vote for is important.

Robert C. Johnson, at-large candidate

AGE 59

YEARS LIVED IN SMYRNA 13 (born in Smyrna, left in 1979 and returned in 1999)

EDUCATION Delaware State University, B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration

Q What do you think are the two most important issues facing Smyrna and how would you address them?

A The Town of Smyrna is faced with the same issues that face the entire country: job retention, creation, and rising Crime.

In regards to jobs, as a team member of the City Council, I will look into the needs of existing businesses and work to assist them with their growth and development. I will work with the Business Development Committee and encourage them to provide us with documentation identifying new types of business/products/services with an emphasis on identifying the gaps for the needs of the residents in the Town of Smyrna.

As a native of Smyrna, I remember when the town was vibrant and full of energy. A small town with the Big City flavor. This image has attracted people to Smyrna and we have to work collectively to achieve that result.

I whole heartily support the efforts of our Police Department, because public safety is the number one concern of the Town of Smyrna.

Q Why should residents vote for you?

A I bring a strong governmental financial background to the Town of Smyrna. I have 24 years of governmental accounting experience. I have served on the Finance Committee for five years bringing my governmental accounting experience to the Town of Smyrna. I am a team player who believes it is okay to agree to disagree, but continue to work towards a common goal.

William D. Pressley, Sr., at-large candidate

AGE 52

YEARS LIVED IN SMYRNA 40

EDUCATION High school graduate with many certifications regarding construction

OCCUPATION Owner and operator for 24 years of W.D. Pressley, Inc.; a family owned general contracting business.

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Masonic Lodge #13, Smyrna-Clayton Rotary, lifetime member of Abate, lifetime member of North American Hunting Association, lifetime member of Buck Masters, Ducks Unlimited

Q How many terms have you served before? I have served two 3-year terms on council in the past as a council member, secretary and vice mayor.

Q What do you think are the two most important issues facing Smyrna and how would you address them?

A My main focus would be jobs; to bring industry to Smyrna to help support the people and infrastructure. Having infrastructure ready so when industry comes our way we will be prepared. Relief from rising electric and tax increases. Again by bringing industry to Smyrna to support our needs so the citizens don't have to.

Q Why should residents vote for you?

A I have lived in Smyrna for 40 years. I have raised my family here and grew my business here. I care about the town and the citizens of Smyrna. I will take the time and effort to make the town prosper.

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